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Spatial Distribution of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in Ohio Brush Creek Watershed, Southern Ohio

Brown, Jason K.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289590778

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Geography (Arts and Sciences).
Between July and October 2005, 42 sites across Ohio Brush Creek watershed were surveyed to assess the spatial distribution of native freshwater mussels (Unionidae). Freshwater mussel shells were recorded at 28 out of 42 sites representing 14 native species. A total of thirteen species were recorded at 19 sites as living or fresh dead. Associations between the presence, diversity, and abundance of freshwater mussels and coarse-scale variables (drainage area, stream gradient, and percent land cover) and fine-scale variables (200 meter stream-reach habitat features based on Ohio EPA’s Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI)) were explored using correlation and chi-square analysis. The presence, diversity, and abundance of mussel shells were associated with both coarse- and fine-scale variables. Drainage area and stream reaches with excellent channel development, high amounts of habitat cover, maximum water depths > 1 meter, and riffle depths > 5 cm were all associated with the presence, diversity, and abundance of mussels. Stream gradient was also associated with mussel shell presence and diversity, however was not associated with shell abundance due to the high abundance of fat mucket shells in upper reaches of the watershed. Sites with the highest diversity and abundance occurred along the mainstems of Ohio Brush Creek and the West Fork. Thirty-seven native mussel species have been recorded in the watershed. Unfortunately over 40% of these species are listed as either endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Sedimentation due to agricultural runoff and deforestation of riparian corridors has been identified as the primary threat to freshwater mussels in Ohio Brush Creek watershed. It is imperative to collect data that can be explored to find spatial and temporal patterns that exist amongst the mussel community in Ohio Brush Creek watershed. This data can also be used to help guide stream habitat restoration and native mussel re-establishment projects in the watershed.
James Dyer, PhD (Committee Chair)
Timothy Anderson, PhD (Committee Member)
Gaurauv Sinha, PhD (Committee Member)
77 p.
Ecology; Geography
spatial distribution; freshwater mussels; ohio brush creek watershed; southern ohio; coarse-scale variables; fine-scale variables; Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI); GIS land cover analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brown, J. K. (2010). Spatial Distribution of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in Ohio Brush Creek Watershed, Southern Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289590778

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brown, Jason. Spatial Distribution of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in Ohio Brush Creek Watershed, Southern Ohio. 2010. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289590778.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brown, Jason. "Spatial Distribution of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in Ohio Brush Creek Watershed, Southern Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289590778

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.